Linda Cudmore is HAD’s new Business Development Manager.
Linda (pictured above, right) joins us from John Lewis Welwyn, where she was Service Desk Manager.
Linda’s immediate priority is to ensure HAD’s services - disability equipment, 24 hour accessible transport, driving lessons and assessments and alternative therapies - reach more disabled, vulnerable and elderly people. Linda has been instrumental in setting up the EPOS system, since joining us on secondment last autumn.
“I am looking forward to playing a part in changing lives in a really positive way for as many people as possible,” Linda said. “ These are exciting times for HAD with the organisation undergoing big changes and reviews of all its services,” she continued. “We need to ensure that we are delivering the best possible service to our customers well into the next decade.”
Linda, originally from Hitchin, lives in Welwyn Garden City with her partner Alan. She lists her hobbies as travel, reading and eating out.
Also recently appointed are Secretary to Senior Management Alison Pearman and 24 Hour Transport Co-ordinator Michael Bedwell.
Alison, from Chells Way, Stevenage, joins from insurance giant Aviva where she occupied a similar role.
She is married to Bob and has a daughter Nicky and son Rob.
Michael lives in Panshanger and previously worked for a local photographic retailer. He, unsurprisingly, lists photography as one of his hobbies along with music - he plays bass with rock band Angels Standing By.
Here’s a full report of Linda Cudmore's plans for the future:
“Initially I will be working with the Equipment Centre Managers to ensure The Terry Stevens shop is easy to navigate and understand and has a really good range of products available.
“This includes ensuring we have value, quality, availability and most importantly the best honest advice for our customers. We have already made some headway in changing the ‘look’ of the shop and there are many more changes to come.
“We will be working hard to negotiate better contracts and discounts with our suppliers, passing these benefits to our customers.
“The new EPOS till system is in place and working well. Time is now being spent investigating the reports available, which will allow us to be more proactive and informed about the ranges, styles and levels of products we need to order and stock in the future.
“In the Mobility Centre research is ongoing to identify possible satellite centres we could operate from in the county to reduce the journey for our driving assessment customers.
“The 24 hour Accessible Transport service is looking to expand existing services in certain areas of the county to offer a better and more cost effective service to our customers.
“So, with my background being in retail the obvious starting point is in the disability equipment centre where I will be working closely with all the Managers to help them deliver.
“The long term goal of expanding into neighbouring counties and becoming financially secure really hinges on us achieving these pieces of work during the next year.
“In my spare time I have been doing voluntary work for the Red Cross and the Welwyn HAD group since 1984 enjoying disabled holidays and many other duties over the years.
“I also love to be wined and dined and relaxing at home with a good book is always high on my agenda!
“My favourite UK places to visit are the Highlands of Scotland and Cornwall. Favourite destinations abroad are Morocco, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Mexico and India. However I am looking forward to visiting many new places in the future.
“My ambition is to do a skydive strapped to a very handsome, young instructor, so I may be taking to the skies in the summer and hope to raise some pennies for HAD! "